Beyond “Modern” or “Cozy”: How to Find the Right Design Adjectives for Your Personal Style
One of the most common questions in the design process is: “What’s your style?”
It sounds simple, but it often makes people freeze. Do I say mid-century modern? Coastal farmhouse? Minimalist? Is “warm” a style? What if I like vintage rugs and clean lines?
The truth is: design style isn’t one-size-fits-all, and your home doesn’t need to fit into a neat, Instagrammable label. In fact, trying to define your style with just one or two adjectives can limit your creativity and leave you feeling boxed in before you even begin.
Let’s change that.
Why One-Word Styles Fall Short
Words like boho, Scandinavian, industrial, and traditional are helpful as starting points. They give a general sense of a design language. But they’re also incredibly broad and often don’t reflect the nuance of a space—or your personality.
You’re not just “modern.”
You’re modern with warmth. Clean but not cold. Minimal but layered.
You can crave structure and softness. Timelessness and trend.
Your home should reflect the full spectrum of who you are—not just what’s trending or what Pinterest says fits into a tidy category.
The Power of Design Adjectives
Instead of asking, “What’s my style?”
Ask: “How do I want my home to feel?”
Start by brainstorming adjectives—yes, actual adjectives—that resonate with you. Think beyond aesthetics and lean into mood, energy, and values.
Here are some to get you started:
Cozy
Fresh
Grounded
Playful
Tailored
Organic
Refined
Collected
Elegant
Moody
Airy
Eclectic
Earthy
Understated
Lived-in
Dramatic
Romantic
Relaxed
Structured
Now try picking 3–5 adjectives that speak to you—not just what you like to look at, but how you want to feel in your space.
How This Helps You (and Your Designer)
Once you identify your style adjectives, they become a powerful filter for every design decision.
For example, if your style is collected, warm, and refined, we’ll think twice before choosing a stark all-white palette or harsh industrial lighting—even if they’re “in.” Instead, we’ll layer in materials, textures, and lighting that feel curated, inviting, and thoughtful.
Adjectives can also be emotionally grounding. When design decisions start to pile up, revisiting your core words will help you stay aligned with what really matters to you—not what everyone else is doing.
Design Is Not a Box—It’s a Spectrum
Style evolves. Tastes shift. And that’s a good thing.
Giving yourself permission to embrace a range of adjectives lets your space feel more personal and dynamic. You can love the symmetry of traditional design and the wild charm of a vintage find. You can blend clean lines with imperfect materials. It’s your mix—and it’s what makes your home feel like home.
Need Help Finding Your Words?
As a designer, I often start projects by helping clients uncover their personal style language. Through inspiration boards, conversation, and material samples, we can get to the heart of what really moves you—and build a space that reflects it.
If you're feeling stuck, start here:
Pull 5 images you love and jot down a word or phrase that describes the vibe of each.
Take note of how you dress, where you travel, or what restaurants you gravitate toward—style is everywhere.
Pay attention to how spaces make you feel, not just how they look.
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to be “modern” or “farmhouse” or “minimalist.” You can be inviting, grounded, bright, and tailored all at once.
So forget the labels.
Find your words.
And let’s create a home that tells your story.
